COC filing for 2026 BSKE to start Sept. 28 — Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2026 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) from September 28 to October 5, 2026.

Under Resolution No. 11191, the elections body issued the calendar of activities and prohibited acts for the 2026 BSKE in November.

The Election Day for BSKE is set on Monday, November 2, 2026. Voters may cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Counting and canvassing of votes and proclamation of winning candidates will immediately follow after the closing of polls.

The election period will start on October 3 to November 9 while the campaign period is set from October 22 to October 31, 2026.

Prohibited activities

Meanwhile, the Comelec resolution also stated the prohibited activities for the BSKE.

A nationwide gun ban will be imposed starting the election period from October 3, according to the poll body.

Also prohibited during the period are changing of voting precincts, use of security personnel by candidates, transfer or detail of civil servants, and suspension of any elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay officials.

The Comelec will also ban vote-buying, and vote-selling as well as raising of funds through dances, lotteries and cockfights, among others from October 3 to November 2.

During the campaign period, the poll body said the following acts will be prohibited:

• Removing or destroying of legal election paraphernalia
• Posting or distributing of illegal campaign materials
• Making donations or gifts in cash or kind
• Appointing or using special policemen
• Using armored land vehicles, water craft, or aircraft
• Policemen and provincial guards acting as bodyguards of public officials or candidates

Construction or maintenance of barangay-funded roads and bridges will likewise be barred from October 23 to November 1.

At the eve of Election day, a liquor ban will be implemented nationwide. Also prohibited are any campaign activities as well as giving and accepting free transportation, food, drinks, or items of value.

On Election Day, the Comelec will prohibit campaigning, using voters affidavit of another person to vote; voting more than once; destroying or substituting of lawful campaign materials; soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda against a candidate within 30 meters from the polling place; opening of stalls for wares, merchandise, and refreshment within 30 meters from the polling place; and holding of fairs, boxing, horse race, and other similar sports. —Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News